A clean boat is a pretty thing, but the world is a dirty place. Cleaning is indicated.
Q: Get the dish soap?
A: Errrr …
The almost dizzying array of boat cleaning products on the market today may have you reaching for the dish soap, but you’ll get better results from your effort by using appropriate cleaners, waxes and protectants.
Effective Cleaning Methods
Let’s start at the bottom, since a scum line around the hull will catch your eye first as you size up your dirty boat on dry land.
Regular washing from stern to bow and keel to t-top will go a long way to keep your boat looking new. For regular cleaning, a sponge or soft cloth along with a good boat wash or combo wash/wax will keep your hull looking good.
Choosing the Right Hull Cleaner
If you’ve got more persistent waterline staining, or rust stains, or your hull has just gotten too cruddy for simple washing, a stronger hull cleaner will be needed. A number of formulations are available, most of which require no elbow grease whatsoever.
Just spray or sponge the product on, let it work for a few minutes, and then hose it off. Some or more powerful than others; remember, though, that more powerful also means more caustic. The strongest hull cleaners can actually damage your trailer.
The strongest hull cleaners can actually damage your trailer.
Navigating Tough Hull Stains
Tough hull staining from the tannic water found in so many eastern bays and estuaries comes off easily with powerful acid-based hull cleaners. Keep in mind, though, the more caustic formulations can damage metals and fabrics.
In the Star brite lineup, Instant Hull Cleaner uses an oxalic acid formula that cuts easily through yellow waterline staining, rust stains, leaf stains and blood stains yet isn’t terribly caustic nor damaging to the environment. Still, you’ll want to either take measures to keep it away from metal, or rinse it off quickly and thoroughly.
The next step up, Star brite’s EZ-ON EZ-OFF Hull & Bottom Cleaner, contains hydrochloric acid and requires significantly more precautions. Yes, it’s more powerful, but it’s also overkill for most applications and can destroy fabric and carpet, eat metal trailers and hurt you if you’re not careful.
An annual application of wax or polish will extend the life of your boat’s gelcoat or paint by removing oxidation and light scratches and adding a UV resistant layer. If you’ve just deep-cleaned the hull with hull cleaner, then it will definitely be ready for a wax. Acidic hull cleaners strip away waxes.
Star brite Marine Polish and Premium Marine Polish are both excellent for finishes that are in good shape. If oxidation is setting in and the finish of your boat is in the hazy-but-not-quite-chalky range, use Star brite Cleaner Wax. For heavy oxidation, use Star brite Restorer Wax to bring it back to life.
Non-skid Deck Cleaning
Non-skid decks are a steady cleaning challenge on a boat. By definition, these are high-traffic areas where dirt can get ground into the textured fiberglass and then be a chore to scrub out.
Mud, fish blood and leaf stains on non-skid deck areas can usually be removed with a non-skid cleaner, although some elbow grease may still be required. An application of non-skid wax helps lengthen the intervals between necessary cleaning.
Attack dirty non-skid with a deck brush and Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner, with multiple applications if necessary. For tough stains like blood and leaf stains, try a spot application of Instant Hull Cleaner.
Importance of Waxing
Non-Skid Deck Cleaner won’t strip off wax or polish, but periodic waxing will keep the finish looking good. Just as importantly, waxing will make your gelcoated decks easier to clean and less susceptible to staining. Of course, you want your non-skid deck to still be non-skid when cleaned and waxed — clean is good, slick is bad. Star brite Non-Skid Deck Wax will protect surfaces with a non-slippery finish.
Both of these products work just fine on non-textured surfaces too. Star brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner is a good general-purpose top-side cleaner, while Non-Skid Deck Wax works for any gelcoat or painted surface.
Marine Vinyl Cleaning
Vinyl-covered seats and cushions are especially susceptible to spots and stains from mildew and mold.
If you can’t get them clean with mild soap, warm water and a brush, try a dedicated cleaner like Star brite Mold and Mildew Stain Remover or MSR Black Stain Remover. For non-mildew stains, Star brite’s Ultimate Vinyl Clean is ideal.
Dedicated vinyl cleaning products are both more effective and safer than general-purpose cleaners. Once you get your vinyl clean, a protectant like Ultimate Vinyl Guard or Ultimate Xtreme Protectant not only protects the material from UV damage but also makes it easier to keep clean.
Mold and Mildew
Vinyl isn’t the only place mold and mildew like to grow. Enclosed spaces like fish boxes, dry storage lockers, built-in coolers, console interiors and cabins are all susceptible, especially in warm, wet climates.
Use Mold & Mildew Stain Blocker to ward off staining from molds and mildews, and Mold & Mildew Stain Remover if there’s already mold damage creeping in.
Outboard Engine Cleaning
In addition to washing and waxing the exterior, your outboard needs some cleaning under the hood: flushing the cooling system, and cleaning and protecting the powerhead.
The operating environment will dictate how often you should flush your engine. Salt and/or dirty water will mean more regular flushing — after every use, optimally. For additional cleaning and protection for boats operating in saltwater, Star Brite Salt Off can be added to the flush, with an adapter.
Outboards don’t get much cleaning attention under the cowling, but an occasional light misting with a protectant spray goes a long way toward keeping your powerhead clean and corrosion-free. Annually, at a minimum, you should have the cowling off your outboard for a visual inspection and light cleaning. Whether it’s your pre-season tune-up, winterization routine, or 100-hour maintenance, this is a good time to hit the powerhead with a light coat of an anti-corrosive protectant spray like Boeshield T-9 or Yamashield.
Display Screens
Electronics display screens are delicate and should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals, nor with household products like Windex. In most cases, a clean microfiber cloth (not a paper towel!) and a mist of freshwater is all you need.
For extended protection, try Star brite Screen Cleaner & Protectant with a microfiber cloth to clear away the haze of smudges and water stains and restore the clarity to fishfinders and GPS displays.